The Seeds of Originality
A red gravel road in Singapore
Local Insight
When founder Hiroichiro Ishihara first landed in Singapore, he had an insight into the presence of iron ore from the reddish-brown gravel on the sidewalk.
Global Impact
He developed an iron mine on his own. He founded a company in 1920 and also operated a shipping business using its own vessels. From then, he had made a significant contribution to the development of Japanese industry.
Weed control by hand under the scorching sun
Local Insight
The harshness faced by rice farmers, who had to pull out weeds one by one under the scorching summer sun, led to a focus on herbicides with minimal impact on rice plants.
Global Impact
The company began to produce 2,3-D, a US herbicide that controlls only weeds with minimal impact on grasses. The herbicide helped the modernization of agriculture in Japan.
A long road to the development of animal health products
Local Insight
Animal health products have less demand than human medicines and therefore receive less investment in research and development. Compared to human medicines, the variety of animal health products is still limited.
Global Impact
A compound that was under development as an anti-pancreatitis drug for humans was adapted for use in dogs. After interviewing veterinarians at over 200 facilities and confirming its need, we launched the compound both domestically and internationally.
Functionality-oriented super black beyond black
Local Insight
Inspired by crows, we focused on the feather structure of birds-of-paradise.
Global Impact
We have had success in developing a black pigment that combines a blackness comparable to that of carbon black with infrared reflection. We are creating new aesthetic value and are currently taking on the challenge of expanding our business overseas.
